A Corner of the Universe

Hattie learns about responsibility empathy and relationships when her uncle with special needs visits.

Long Synopsis:

Hattie Owen has never really thought about the world outside of her small town. Her family's boarding house is where she feels most at home. With its eccentric routines and predictable routines. But there are secrets in her family and the biggest one is her young Uncle Adam. Hattie doesn't even know he exists until he shows up in her town right when she is about to turn twelve. Suddenly the pace she thought she knew so well begins to feel different. Her family and neighbors aren't ready to deal with Adam's mental problems ...so Hattie gets caught in the middle. In one summer Hattie will find out just how small a small town can be, how big the world outside is, and how far our hearts and minds can go.
2003 Newbery Honor Book